NFL Fans Left Underwhelmed After Controversial End to a Classic Super Bowl

The game was set up for an all-time classic finish … until it wasn’t.

Super Bowl LVII had all the makings of an instant classic finish—right up until the game’s most pivotal play turned on a questionable penalty.

With the score tied at 35 apiece, the Chiefs were driving inside the Philadelphia 20-yard line facing a third-and-8. Patrick Mahomes’s pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster fell incomplete, but the referee threw a flag for defensive holding on James Bradberry, giving Kansas City the first down.

That enabled the Chiefs to burn nearly all of the remaining time on the clock, kneeling twice to set up the game-winning 27-yard field goal by Harrison Butker. The Eagles got the ball back for one final play, with Hurts coming up short on his Hail Mary attempt.

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The penalty was a pivotal turning point in what was a thrilling second half. Philadelphia held a 24–14 lead through two quarters, possessing the ball for over 20 minutes and keeping Mahomes and the Chiefs offense on the sideline. Kansas City flipped the script in the second half, scoring on each of its four possessions.

After the game, Smith-Schuster was asked whether he actually was held on the play, insisting that he did. Bradberry conceded that he grabbed Smith-Schuster’s jersey.

Despite the play’s two central figures agreeing with the officials’ call, that didn’t stop viewers from expressing their displeasure that such a captivating game was decided on a penalty. Check out some of the most notable reactions below.

Softest holding call I’ve seen in some time. Might cost a team a Super Bowl.

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 13, 2023

That’s an absolutely disgraceful holding call at this spot in the Super Bowl. Embarrassing to call it.

— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) February 13, 2023

What a weak holding call to give the Chiefs the win pic.twitter.com/2JjSw1xLd3

— 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕟 𝔽𝕒𝕟 (@SpartyOn70) February 13, 2023

That’s the most horrendous holding call I’ve ever seen … #SuperBowl #RIGGED

— Jayson Ortiz (@JaysonAOrtiz) February 13, 2023

For everyone complaining about the Holding Penalty at the end of game, Just Stop!!! Refs called a Fair Game between both sides and not every call went for the @Chiefs The @Eagles had a GREAT SEASON AND YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEM!

— J (@jasonllevin) February 13, 2023

Sorry but this 1 play doesn’t decide the entire game, the eagles “top defense” allowed 38 points and allowed the chiefs to score on every possession in the 2nd half. Also, hurts gave away a TD with that fumble, Mahomes made no mistakes. One penalty didn’t decide the game 🤷🏻‍♂️… https://t.co/5Al1oCjzZ0

— RedZone 🏈🥁 (@JJMcIntosh) February 13, 2023

What an embarrassing ending for the @NFL. A subjective call from a referee ruined what was going to be a classic @SuperBowl. I bleed #BillsMafia , but really feel for @Eagles fans. Terrible, terrible way for the @Chiefs to win, on a penalty. Disappointed the game ended that way. pic.twitter.com/9425L5xf3C

— Stefan Mychajliw (@StefanMychajliw) February 13, 2023

Great resolve by the Chiefs to beat the Eagles at their own game in the trenches, especially in the 2nd half…

BUT

such a horrible ending with that penalty call in the end.

— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) February 13, 2023